US Soldiers Added Hundreds of Kamikaze Drones to ISIS Fight

The military recently requested hundreds of kamikaze drones to fight the ongoing and ever-changing threat that Islamic State (ISIS) drones pose to U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq.

Defense One reports that U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) took delivery of 325 Miniature Aerial Missile Systems (LMAMS). There was an additional order of 350 Switchblade drones that has also been fulfilled.

The switchblade drones, according to Defense One, can reach speeds of 100 mph and can fly for 15 minutes at a time.

Army Col. John Reim runs SOCOM's Warrior program office and told Defense One his soldiers are seeking drones that can pack a bigger explosive punch.

"We have a good capability right now with the Switchblade. But it's got a smaller payload. How do you get a little larger?" Reim said. "We're trying to create organic firepower and situational awareness in so many of the places we operate in."

There have been numerous reports in recent months about ISIS' use of drones for both surveillance and attacks, many of them taking place in and around Mosul, on Iraq as forces try to take back that city.